Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong SY(1), Au KMB(1), Tai LHC(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Tai Po Hospital (2)Occupational Therapy Department, Kwong Wah Hospital
Introduction :
The field of occupational therapy continuously evolves with advancements in medicine, science and technology in order to provide up-to-date services to patients. A good example would be the use of 3D printing over the past few years to tailor-make splintage and assistive devices, and it has been found take a more precise and less costly method compared with traditional methods for creating prototypes as well as fabricating products for prescription.
Objectives :
This study aims to raise awareness of the possibilities 3D printing can create through outlining case studies which involve patients who have been benefited from 3D printed splintage or assistive devices.
Methodology :
The patients were assessed for needs of splintage and assistive devices. The assistive devices were designed using computer-aided design software and printed by a fused deposition modeling 3D printer. After printing the assistive devices, the patients were educated to use the aids to perform functional tasks.
Result & Outcome :
Nine case studies were included in this study: (1) outrigger splint for radial palsy; (2) dynamic finger extension splint for thumb extension dysfunction; (3) ptosis splint for ptosis; (4) anti-swan neck splint for swan neck deformity; (5) finger splint for mallet finger; (6) adjustable rear mirror for power wheelchair of rheumatoid arthritis patient with poor hand function; (7) typing aids for cerebral palsy patient with poor hand function and impaired forearm rotation; (8) key holder for cerebral palsy patient with poor hand function; and (9) oxygen cylinder opener for nursing staff. Most splints and assistive aids were made traditionally with low temperature thermoplastics, metal wires/plates and leather. They generally required a long time to fabricate and had durability issues. Some designs were difficult to fabricate and adjust accurately to ensure good biomechanics, comfort of wearing and adequate support. 3D printed splintage and assistive aids could be fabricated and fine-tuned with ease and resulted in better functioning, precision and durability. The 3D printing material can withstand warm water and be worn while hand washing or bathing. Fabrication of finer parts was also possible, improving the function of the design and making assembly of parts or attachment to other objects easier, such as the ptosis splint. Patients have also reported some designs are more comfortable than those fabricated traditionally. Moreover, designed parts could also be incorporated with other designs or adapted for different purposes like case (2) using the parts of case (1), and aided in the production of new innovative designs to address the needs of individual patients, for example in the cases (6) to (9). In conclusion, 3D printing can be utilized to fabricate different types of splints and aids. The designs generated from the clinical expertise and creativity of the therapist can be easily actualized with the help of it to tailor-make products that better suit patients' needs. It should be promoted and incorporated into professional training in order to equip occupational therapists with the necessary skills and knowledge so that more patients would be benefited.
